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Earl E. Harris, 89

Earl E. Harris, 89 of Blackfoot, passed away Saturday, July 23, 2011, at the Bingham Memorial Hospital.
He was born Aug. 6, 1921, in Roberts, the son of Albert I. and Myrtle Roscoe Harris.
Earl attended and graduated from the Roberts School District where he enjoyed playing in sports, especially basketball, and even while young, music was his life and interest. He began playing his mother’s violin by “ear” at 4 years old; he was told to “never” touch her mandolin. At 5 years old while his mother was busy outside, he sneaked her mandolin and began to play. Astonished at his young talent when she walked inside and heard what he was capable of, she gave permission for him to take up her mandolin and the family played together with their various instruments. Later in life, he provided much-needed entertainment for the elderly at various senior citizen care centers and for the family at gatherings. His music playing led him to also call square dancing in the Roberts area.
Attending an LDS dance he met Merle Elizabeth Berrett and they were married on Sept. 30, 1940 in Lewisville. They later had their marriage solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They moved from Roberts to Blackfoot in 1952.
Earl worked as a carpenter and was a supervisor for various companies. He also helped build many homes, church buildings, and businesses in several areas including Blackfoot, Carey, and Sun Valley.
He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various callings. He served many years on the building committee and enjoyed serving on the dance committee. He truly enjoyed his work and could always be found tinkering on buildings and cars even late in his life.
He also loved the outdoors and was an avid fisher and hunter.
He is survived by his sons, Kent (Nancy) Harris of Lizelle, Ga., and Nils (Becky) Harris of Rose; daughters, Linda (Mark) Leavitt of Riverside; Elizabeth (Neal) Going of Monett, Mo.; and Ellen (Keith) Tarpley of Groveland; sister Sadie Harrell of Ashton; 23 grandchildren, 35 great- grandchildren with one on the way and one great-great grandchild with one on the way.
Earl was preceded in death by his wife; his parents and brothers Wallace and Charles.
Family will meet with friends and family on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. at the Hawker Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 11a.m. Friday, July 29, 2011, at the Blackfoot Stake Center with Bishop Kurt Neff conducting. A viewing for one hour prior to services will also be at the church
Interment will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, July 29, 2011, at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at condolences@hawkerfuneralhome.com.